Dirk passed away suddenly on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Victoria, BC.
He was predeceased by his father, Omer Poppe, and his fathers-in-law, Antonio Fedrigo and Ernest Simson.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Diana; his daughter Leslie (Mauro) and son Randy (Sada); and his cherished grandchildren: Daryon, Kaeden, Xavia, Rowan, Mateo, and Levi. He is also survived by his mother, Paula Poppe; his mother-in-law, Carolina Simson; his siblings; many extended family members and friends in Canada and Belgium who will miss him deeply.
Dirk was proud of his Belgian heritage, having been born in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. He moved around during his youth before eventually settling in Victoria, BC, where he built a career as a small parts mechanic and later worked as an automotive parts man and Service Manager.
At age 20, Dirk met the love of his life, Diana—though Diana remembers first catching a glimpse of him when she was just 13 and somehow knowing, even then, that he would be her future husband. They were married on June 16, 1979, and soon started a family, welcoming their daughter in 1980 and their son in 1983.
Dirk was a hardworking man whose life centered around his family. He was our anchor—the steady presence we could always rely on. With a gift for fixing the unfixable, Dirk was the one we turned to when things needed mending, both big and small. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: long walks with his best friend and wife, Diana, days spent fishing and hunting, the thrill of riding his motorcycles, and the quiet satisfaction of tinkering with anything that needed repair. His hands were always busy, and his heart was always full.
To us, he was a star—someone we all looked up to.
His brother Mark described him best: a mentor, advisor, guide, protector, the best big brother a man could ask for, and a man who carried a shining love for his wife and family. And, of course, we can’t forget—he was a real butt-kicker, in the best way.
Dirk was also a devoted man of faith. His deep compassion and empathy for others reflected that devotion in everything he did.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 753 Burnside Rd W, Victoria, BC. Interment will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park, with a reception to follow back at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Dirk’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Poppe” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Dirk De Wilde
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Lorrie VS and Family Dear Dianna and family – I was shocked to read about your husband and dad. I have never met him but know he must have been a wonderful husband/ dad/ grandfather. Because you are lovely people! Sometimes life just doesn’t make any sense and this is one of those times. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Please know we are thinking of your family and keeping you in our prayers. May your memories and Faith in a Good God comfort you – remember he is just a thought away.
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André & Gerlinde Podevijn-Van Duyse Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.
We wish you much strength during this difficult time.
Fam. Podevijn André – Van Duyse Gerlinde
Fam. Coignau David – Podevijn Melissa – Coignau Elise
Belgium
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Kirk Buhne I only knew Dirk as a regular long time customer of TC Motors, since 2004, where he worked, and I must say that he was one of those people that made your day better. He shared his happy personable disposition with me whenever we met. We never got to go on a motorcycle tour together but he welcomingly invited me to come along.
When you car is not working and you need an expensive repair it was reassuring to know that Dirk was going to help look after things, source out the best quality and prices on parts and treat you with warmth and respect, with honesty. We need more like Dirk. His day to day dealings with people may have helped the world have more calm happy people.
I hope his family feels lucky having lived around such a man.
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Jef en Marleen Franssens Jef en Marleen Franssens-Weyenberg.
Wij zijn diep geschrokken bij het onverwacht overlijden van Dirk. Onze innige deelneming in het verlies van uw man,vader en grootvader.
Als we nog maar eens konden gaan vissen op zalmen die je ma zo lekker had klaargemaakt.
Diana we wensen U en de ganse familie Poppe het allerbeste.
Vanwege Jef en Marleen from Belgium.
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Baert herve -mervis Onze oprechte deelneming
Familie baert herve -mervis
Belgie
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Jim Korman Dear Diana Lesley and Randy. My heart is with you during this time of loss. I have many fond memories of Dirk. We shared the love of our Faith and many good times fishing. With Love and prayers.
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Cathie Achtem Diana and family,
Love and prayers to you at such a difficult time. Although I never met Dirk, I felt like I knew him from listening to Diana talk about him at work. I know he was loved and will be sorely missed today and forever.
Cathie Achtem
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Tony van der Meulen I would like to give my deepest sympathy to Diana , Randy and Leslie . I would like to say Dirk was a very good man, very knowledgeable, encouraging and hard-working. I have known him for approximately 53 years, we have had a lot of laughs and good times together. One of highlights is when the three of us, Dirk and my brother, Henry, and myself rode our adventure bikes up to the Yukon. He was cheerful. He knew what was important in life. He loved his wife, Diana and his family and friends, and most importantly he was a good Christian man, and they shall see God and live in his kingdom.
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Rudy gracienne De Clercq Baert Onze oprechte deelneming voor gans de familie
Familie Rudy en Gracienne De Clercq Baert België
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Maria De Gendt. Mijn oprecht medeleven aan de nabestaanden Familie en vrienden heel véél sterkte.
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Lili Johnstone To Diana, Leslie,Randy and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brent and Lili Johnstone
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Rick & Trish Diana, you are so precious to Trish and me. The words I’ve already written are so inadequate, but I had to try. We’re praying you and your family. Miss you so much. We remember being at you wedding and all the guys were kissing you during the seven course dinner. What a time that was. You can call us or text us anytime. Love to hear your voice.
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Tanya Slomp My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. The loss of your beloved husband and father is deeply felt, and I want you to know how truly sorry I am.
His presence touched many lives, and his memory will continue to do so. My memories of him were of a kind, genuine man with kind eyes and the friendliest smile. My mom always spoke highly of him and had a special place in her heart. They are together with our Lord and Savior reminiscing I imagine.I hope you can find some comfort in the love that surrounds you, in the memories you hold close, and in knowing that he will never be forgotten.
With all my love and deepest sympathy,
Tanya (Stroeve) Slomp and family
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Taradash family We are crushed to hear of this sudden and unthinkable loss. You are all a testament to a life well lived. A man could not wish for more on this earth than such a beautiful family. He lives on within all of you. We are sending all of our love to you as you navigate the days ahead.
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Rick & Trish McGuire Dirk and I first met at Plimley Motors in 1974 as I remember, when he joined the staff in automotive parts. We quickly became good friends, but then who wouldn’t with a great man like Dirk. One day at work I playfully performed a snow dance and would you believe it snowed. From that point on Dirk would remind not to do the dance. My wife, (Trish) and I consider Dirk and Diana our best friends. We missed them a lot after moving back to the U.S. in 1981, but every visit with them was as if we’d never left. Great friends can make you feel that way. It’s going to be very hard not to talk with my best friend. After the shock and then the grief that follows, where do you go from there. Must look to God for that. Has to be the only way. [Dirk, I will always think of you and miss you. I will always love you my dear precious friend. I have comfort knowing that Jesus welcomed you with open arms when you left us. Until we meet again at the river of life in heaven we’ll wait our turn to join you.
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Helen Poppe Diana, Leslie, Randy and families
My deepest sympathies to all of you for the tragic loss of Dirk. He truly was a wonderful, one of a kind man. I will always treasure the time that I got to spend with Dirk and your wonderful family. I know with all my heart that you all were his world and he was so proud of all of you. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his beloved family. I will deeply miss my cousin who always kept in touch and made me feel so welcome and loved whenever we got together. My heart is with you all❤️
Helen Poppe
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Evi Mastbooms Dear family in Canada,
Me and my husband Kevin send you all our deepest condoleances for the loss of Dirk.
I remember him as a kind and caring familyman.
Wish we could be closer to do anything to help you through this time of grieve.Love Evi & Kevin
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Laura Thiessen Leslie, it sounds like your Dad was a wonderful man and his absence will leave a huge hole in your family! Praying for peace for you and yours during this time
Our deepest sympathy with the sudden and tragic loss of your loved one.
I met Dirk for the first time, I’ll think 2006 or 2008?? This during his visit to Belgium with his mother, our aunt Paula, and this during his visit by my parents, his uncle Maurice and aunt Julienne.
I remember his friendly and warm character and also his invitation to visit the family in Canada.
Love you all!
Cousin Dirk De Wilde